RICHMOND, INDIANA and FRANKFORT, INDIANA — First Bank Richmond and The Farmers Bank are pleased to announce that, pending shareholder approval, the combined organization will operate under the name First Bank Midwest, pending regulatory approval. The new brand will also encompass Mutual Federal, a division of First Bank Richmond, including its six offices in Ohio.
Alongside the announcement of the new name, the organizations are also publicly unveiling the official logo and brand identity that will represent the future of the combined institution beginning July 1, 2026.
Upon completion of the merger and pending shareholder approval, First Bank Midwest will operate under the parent company Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, Inc., which trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol RMBI. Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, Inc. will remain headquartered in Richmond, Indiana. First Bank Midwest will be headquartered in Frankfort, Indiana.
This milestone represents an important step forward in the merger process and reflects the shared vision, values, and commitment to community banking that have defined these institutions for generations.
As part of the transition, the organizations will also begin using the phrase: ROOTED IN TRADITION. GROWING TOWARD THE FUTURE.
The transitional tagline reflects the spirit of the merger itself, honoring the long-standing heritage of each institution while embracing the opportunities and momentum of the future organization being built together.
“This is more than a new name. It represents who we are, what we value, and the future we are building together,” said Garry Kleer, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Richmond. “First Bank Midwest reflects the strength of our combined organizations while honoring the deep roots and trusted relationships that have defined our banks for generations. We are building a stronger institution designed to serve our customers and communities for decades to come.”
“This announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” said Christopher Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Farmers Bank. “The Farmers Bank has proudly served communities for 150 years, and it was incredibly important to us that the values, heritage, and identity our customers know, and trust continued forward in a meaningful way. First Bank Midwest accomplishes that. It honors our past while creating a bold vision for the future.”
A NAME BUILT ON LEGACY, COMMUNITY, AND VISION
The name First Bank Midwest was selected intentionally to reflect both the heritage of the organizations and the future they are building together.
By retaining “First Bank,” the new organization honors the legacy of First Bank Richmond and its nearly 140-year history of community partnership, service, and leadership. The name reflects generations of trust, integrity, and local commitment.
The addition of “Midwest” reflects the heritage and values long represented by both companies and the communities it has proudly served. Adding Midwest speaks to the character of the region and the people who call it home, including hard work, humility, resilience, honesty, and a deep commitment to community. It also recognizes the organization’s growing footprint throughout Indiana and Ohio and its continued commitment to local decision-making and relationship banking.
The organizations emphasized that the legacy of The Farmers Bank will also continue to live on prominently through the new brand identity itself. The color palette, wheat-inspired design elements, and visual storytelling within the logo were intentionally developed to honor The Farmers Bank’s agricultural roots, community-centered history, and enduring 150-year legacy.
Together, the name and brand identity represent the coming together of two long-standing community banking institutions, united by shared values, strengthened by history, and focused on building a future centered on relationships, service, and community leadership.
As First Bank Midwest moves forward, leadership reaffirmed that community banking will remain central to the organization’s mission. Customers can continue to expect local relationships, responsive service, trusted financial guidance, and a bank deeply invested in the communities it serves.
THE STORY BEHIND THE LOGO
The newly unveiled First Bank Midwest logo was designed to represent vision, heritage, integrity, and forward momentum.
At the top of the logo sits a conjoined “F” and “B” monogram, slightly italicized and leaning forward to symbolize progress, movement, and a future-focused organization. The monogram represents both the initials of the bank’s new name and the organization’s commitment to carrying its legacy forward with purpose and confidence.
Across the center of the logo, the words “First Bank” appear boldly, with “Midwest” positioned directly beneath, reinforcing the organization’s identity, values, and regional roots.
Beneath the name sits a white diamond and symbolizes alignment, consistency, integrity, and clarity of purpose, while the white space represents hope, opportunity, and the belief that banking is ultimately about helping people move toward possibility.
The color palette was also selected intentionally.
The orange at the center of the logo represents a Midwest sunrise, symbolizing optimism, momentum, opportunity, and new beginnings. Surrounding the logo is a wheat-colored border inspired by the agricultural roots and enduring values of the Midwest, including perseverance, hard work, and community strength.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
TIMING OF NAME TRANSITION
While the organization now has its official name and logo, the new brand will not formally launch until July 1, 2026.
On that day, customers can expect business to continue as usual at all First Bank Richmond, The Farmers Bank, and Mutual Federal locations. The transition to the First Bank Midwest name and branding will occur in phases beginning in July 2026 and continuing into early 2027.
Some updates will happen quickly, while others will be implemented over time. Throughout the transition process, customer communication will remain a top priority. Customers can expect additional information and updates through mailed correspondence and email communications over the next 9 to 12 months.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NAME OR LOGO
If customers have questions related to the new name or logo, they are encouraged to contact the organizations using the information below. A staff member will respond within 24 hours.
First Bank Richmond / Mutual Federal
mergerquestions@firstbankrichmond.com
The Farmers Bank
mergerquestions@thefarmersbank.com
Together, First Bank Richmond, The Farmers Bank, and Mutual Federal believe this announcement represents far more than the unveiling of a new name or logo. It represents the coming together of shared values, trusted relationships, and generations of community commitment to build something even stronger for the future.
As the organizations move toward becoming First Bank Midwest, they remain committed to serving customers with the same local leadership, personal relationships, and community-first philosophy that have defined each institution for generations.
The organizations look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen the communities they proudly call home for generations to come.